Norwich v Nottingham: Go for Clough at Forest, insists Birtles

As Nottingham Forest prepare to take on Norwich today, Billy Davies remains in pole position to take over from Colin Calderwood as their next manager.

The former Derby County boss is the clear front-runner following Calderwood's Boxing Day sacking, having first been sounded out about the job a month ago.

But last night former Forest and England striker Garry Birtles insisted the club should turn to Nigel Clough, the son of legendary former manager Brian Clough.

Good option: Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough

Clough junior has served a lengthy managerial apprenticeship with Burton Albion, who currently lead the Conference by 10 points. 'It is not because he is a friend or because he is Cloughie's son,' said Birtles.

'It is because he is the right man for the job. He could be the son of a bin-man for all I care. This is not about who his dad was, it is about who he is and the fact he has the right attributes for the job.

'It is about the fact he has taken one of the last few remaining part-time Conference sides to the top of the table.'

But another Forest old-boy, double European Cup winner Kenny Burns, is backing Davies. He said: 'Billy did a superb job taking Preston to the Championship play-offs before leading Derby into the Premier League, so his pedigree is good at this level.

'There would be no more Easy Street. And that is what it has been at the City Ground for far too long.'

Forest reserve team coach John Pemberton will be in charge for today's game.